Italian > Lasagna

Queso Pañoleta and Spinach Lasagna Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 pound queso pañoleta cheese, grated
- 1 pound fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Whisk
- Saucepan
- Colander

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

2. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

3. In a large pot, cook the spinach over medium heat until wilted. Drain in a colander and set aside.

4. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth.

5. Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth and thickened.

6. Add the salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Stir to combine.

7. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted.

8. Add the cooked spinach to the sauce and stir to combine.

9. In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the spinach sauce.

10. Place a layer of lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.

11. Spread a layer of the grated queso pañoleta cheese over the noodles.

12. Repeat layers of sauce, noodles, and cheese until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of cheese on top.

13. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

14. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

15. Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before serving.


Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
8 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 450
Fat per serving: 25g
Carbohydrates per serving: 35g
Protein per serving: 20g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Queso pañoleta cheese can be substituted with mozzarella or provolone cheese.
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with frozen spinach, thawed and drained.

Variations:
- Add cooked ground beef or sausage to the spinach sauce for a meaty lasagna.
- Substitute the spinach for other vegetables such as mushrooms or zucchini.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to cook the lasagna noodles al dente to prevent them from becoming too soft in the oven.
- Use a mandoline slicer to thinly slice the queso pañoleta cheese for easier grating.
- Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set and make it easier to cut.

Storage instructions:
- Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, place the lasagna in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the lasagna on a large platter with fresh herbs and grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Garnishes:
- Fresh basil leaves
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Red pepper flakes

Pairings:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Red wine

Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Grilled asparagus

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the lasagna is too dry, add more sauce to each layer.
- If the lasagna is too watery, let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the lasagna to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.

Food history:
- Lasagna originated in Italy and has been a popular dish for centuries.

Flavor profiles:
- Creamy
- Cheesy
- Savory
- Nutty

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the lasagna hot with a side of garlic bread and a Caesar salad.

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Taste: Savory, Cheesy, Creamy, Rich, Nutty